Our Process

Plan - Design - Build - Celerbrate

Plan
Planning is an essential part of the archi-treasures process. We begin by working with our community partner to answer questions which shape the project scope and approach :
- Where and what is the public/community space that will be addressed by this project?
- Who uses this site and for what purpose?
- Are there specific issues or concerns to be addressed by this project? What are the community goals?
- What are the assets and resources that are available within the community for this project?
- Which community members will work on this project?

Using information from the community, archi-treasures staff will develop a project proposal and budget. Funding for the project must be confirmed before moving to the next phase of project development.

Funding
archi-treasures projects are funded by our community partner. Funding sources vary depending on the type of partner (school, housing, open space). If there is enough time for planning, archi-treasures can help a community partner to raise funds for a project by developing proposals with budgets and identifying potential sources of funding.

Design
archi-treasures uses a participatory design process which brings together community members with architects and artists to brainstorm project ideas.

Using their technical expertise and experience the artists and architects can:

• help to answer questions as they arise
• help to make visual images of people’s ideas
• anticipate solutions to practical issues

An archi-treasures design workshop can take place during a 4 hour session. The workshop can also be expanded to take place over several days. An expanded design phase might include more intensive research or further development of ideas into a three dimensional model.

Build
archi-treasures has the expertise to build professional quality projects that embody community spirit and include hands-on community participation. Projects are built by community members with assistance from archi-treasures staff and skilled professionals.

archi-treasures has developed several program models that combine community participation and getting the job done:

• Summer job programs for youth
• Community volunteer days
• Service learning programs
• After school programs

Celebrate

archi-treasures celebrations are a way of recognizing the accomplishments of project participants and engaging the larger community.

Grandmothers bake cupcakes, dads barbeque, youth taking dance classes provide entertainment, local stores donate beverages – the possibilities are as rich and diverse as the communities themselves.